The Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice has learnt with deep concern and disappointment that the President has appointed Yankuba Sonko as Chairperson of the Local Government Service Commission.
This appointment raises serious concerns about the Government’s commitment to transitional justice, accountability, and implementation of the recommendations of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC).
The TRRC made adverse findings against Yankuba Sonko in relation to the 2005 killing of West African migrants and recommended that he be banned from holding public office for ten years for his role in the cover-up of the killings. In its White Paper on the TRRC Report, the Government partially accepted this recommendation and referred the matter for further investigation in light of what it described as “potentially exculpatory evidence” submitted in his favour. Importantly, the Government did not exonerate him nor reject the TRRC’s findings outright.
It is therefore troubling that the Government has proceeded to elevate an individual adversely mentioned by the TRRC into a senior public office while victims continue to await justice and full implementation of the TRRC recommendations.
This decision undermines public confidence in the transitional justice process and sends the wrong signal regarding accountability, institutional reform, and guarantees of non-recurrence. Victims and survivors participated in the TRRC process with the legitimate expectation that those implicated in serious human rights violations or cover-ups would not be rewarded with positions of public trust before accountability measures are fully concluded.
The appointment also raises broader concerns about consistency and political will in the implementation of the Government White Paper. Transitional justice cannot be credible where recommendations are selectively applied or disregarded for political convenience.
EFSCRJ therefore calls on the Government to:
- Immediately revoke the appointment of Yankuba Sonko as Chairperson of the Lands Commission;
- Provide clarity on the status and outcome of the further investigations referenced in the White Paper regarding Yankuba Sonko and share the report with the public;
- Fully implement the recommendations of the TRRC and the Government White Paper in good faith;
- Demonstrate respect for victims and survivors by ensuring that public appointments align with the principles of accountability and justice.
The pursuit of truth, justice, reparations, accountability, and non-recurrence remains indispensable to democratic governance and national reconciliation in the Gambia. EFSCRJ calls upon civil society, political parties, the international community, and every Gambian of conscience to reject this decision and stand united for justice.
2026: The Year of Empowerment – Empowered Citizens. Accountable Leadership.
